Police arrest Loveland man suspected of molesting child at park

LOVELAND, Colo. — Police in Loveland arrested the man who is suspected of molesting a child at Seven Lakes Park on Thursday.

Investigators identified the man as Loveland resident, 52-year-old John Lyle McClure II, who is a registered sex offender.

According to Loveland Police, officers received a tip from a citizen who recognized McClure from a wanted poster that officers posted in downtown Loveland Friday night.

At 9:33 p.m., authorities arrested McClure after they found him hiding in the bushes by the railroad tracks near 10th Street.

McClure was taken to the Larimer County Jail for arrest warrants including first degree kidnapping, sexual assault on a child, enticement of a child and criminal extortion.

“It’s very unexpected for this neighborhood,” resident Jeff Lindgren said. “Stuff like that usually never happens around here. We moved here and thought it was a safe neighborhood. I was shocked to hear it, to be honest with you.”

A woman called police at approximately 2:38 p.m. Thursday to report that her child was molested at the park in northeast Loveland.

Witnesses told officers they saw the distressed child and the suspect fleeing the area.

Officers used a K-9 to track the suspect in the area later that evening, but did not find him.